Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP)

Position Overview

The Athletics Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) serves as the dedicated HR partner for the Athletics Department, providing expert guidance and operational support across the full employee lifecycle. This role functions as both a trusted advisor and a consultative problem-solver - partnering with administrators, coaches, and staff to align HR strategies with departmental objectives while ensuring consistent, equitable, and compliant HR practices.

The HRBP brings a balance of transactional accuracy and strategic thinking to recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, payroll auditing, complex HR consultation, and employee engagement. A passion for college athletics and a commitment to fostering a culture of excellence, inclusion, and belonging are essential to success in this role.

Key Responsibilities

HR Operations (20%)
Advises on the full-time employee lifecycle - including hiring, onboarding, compensation, leaves, performance management, and exit process. Reviews offer letters, employment agreements, and all TDX transactions. Monitors compliance with required institutional trainings (i.e. PIPSM, Clery Act, Protection for All, Safety of Minors) and I-9 processing. Responsible for assisting with the employee reclassification process, managing the Performance Appraisal Tool (PAT) process and the probationary reviews. Also supports HR Coordinator as needed with student workers, temporary employees, casual employees, and volunteer lifecycle.

Athletics Recruiting Support (15%)
Partners with hiring managers as search chair for open positions, advising on inclusive sourcing strategies, behavioral interviewing, collecting interview documentation, and providing guidance on Athletics search process. Reviews and approves job postings and offer letters. Evaluates recruitment metrics to continuously refine hiring strategies. Maintains Search Process document in accordance with University, NCAA and state laws/policies.

Complex HR Consultation (15%)
Provides expert guidance to supervisors and managers on policy interpretation, Civil Service Rules, Collective Bargaining Agreements, employment law, and workforce planning. Collaborates with the Deputy Athletic Director/Chief of Staff on strategic solutions to emerging people challenges. Partners with the Office of Equity & Diversity, Office of General Counsel, and Office of Human Resources as needed for employee matters.

Employee Relations (10%)
Serves as the primary point of contact for workplace concerns, conducting thorough, impartial investigations. Collaborates with managers on performance improvement plans and conflict resolution. Monitors employee relations trends to identify systemic issues and develop proactive supervisor resources.

Employee Engagement, Action Planning & Inclusion (10%)
Analyzes employee engagement survey results and advises leadership on targeted action plans. Administers pulse surveys, stay interviews, and focus groups to gather ongoing feedback. Leads or supports initiatives that advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Partners with managers to develop recognition and professional development programs.

Onboarding & Offboarding (10%)
Develops and maintains onboarding materials and facilitates onboarding for full-time employees to create a consistent, high-quality, and immersive new hire experience. Manages offboarding, including exit interviews. Analyzes onboarding and exit data to identify trends and recommend improvements.

Payroll Support (10%)
Assists with payroll auditing, pre-confirmation and confirmation report review biweekly. Reviews and occasionally submits TDX tickets to ensure compensation changes are processed in a timely manner. Processes pay updates, off-cycle requests and overpayments.

Other Duties (10%)
Manages targeted HR projects, maintains the Athletics HR intranet, aggregates compensation data for annual salary surveys, and actively pursues professional development opportunities.

Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm

Location: Hybrid - Minimum of three days per week on-site

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field with a minimum of two years of professional HR experience, or a combination of education and experience totaling six years.
• Demonstrated experience in HR operations and customer service.
• Experience with payroll auditing or similar financial processes.
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing inclusion and equity in HR practices.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills with a strong orientation toward collaboration and relationship-building.
• Passion for college athletics.
• High level of attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong working knowledge of HR principles, employment laws, and institutional policies, with the demonstrated ability to interpret and apply them in complex situations.
• Proven ability to consult on and resolve complex employee relations matters, advising leadership with confidence and equity.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, prioritize competing responsibilities, and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.

With more than 140 years of tradition, Gopher Athletics is one of the oldest and most decorated athletics departments in the country. Minnesota was a charter member of the Big Ten Conference. The University of Minnesota sponsors 22 varsity intercollegiate athletic teams and is represented by more than 625 student-athletes who compete in the Big Ten and Western Collegiate Hockey Association. Minnesota has claimed 29 national championships in eight different sports and has won 217 regular-season conference titles and 42 conference tournament championships. Minnesota has also produced 213 Academic All-Americans, which ranks as the tenth most all-time among college and universities. Housed in the historic Dinkytown neighborhood on the northern edge of the University campus, Gopher Athletics is succeeding against a backdrop unique in college athletics, nestled at the heart of a bustling, modern metro area. We are proud of our decorated history, but we are prepared to achieve even greater success in the years to come. Ski-U-Mah!

Pay Range: $63,000 - $75,000 per year; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

Please include the following required application materials:

• Resume

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.